Monthly Archives: March 2016

On policies that allow access to bathrooms and locker rooms on the basis of gender identity rather than on anatomy:

A few years ago, the Cambridge University Press Journal of Development and Psychopathology published a study conducted over the course of 23 years, as researchers tracked girls ranging in age from 6 to 16 at the start of the study in 1987, carefully analyzing the differences between girls who had experienced sexual abuse and those who had not. The study produced a shocking conclusion: girls who had been abused had dramatically reduced cortisol levels, which are often linked to a decrease in the body’s ability to deal with stress and depression. Lower cortisol levels are also often linked with obesity and PTSD.

“The cortisol levels (of some study participants) wound up looking like Vietnam vets,” reported study co-author Dr. Frank Putnam, professor of pediatrics and psychiatry at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital…

The man who abused me was someone close to my family. I was still in diapers when he started. He was very affectionate and made it clear to me that I was his favorite. We would go everywhere together. He doted on me and gave me gifts. I didn’t even recognize what was going on was abuse because it felt so loving. But, he was a really sick man. He would cry and cry if I didn’t kiss him long enough. I was always responsible for his emotional wellbeing.

I was at odds with my self and my body growing up. I couldn’t understand what was going on with me. I was hearing all this truth about God at the Christian school I attended, but it felt like dichotomy, like here’s this truth, but here’s your reality. I was vacant and sad without really being able to tell why. I…

Be blessed and encouraged by Press On Selah

“Those who have put in place defense mechanism have lived in darkness in some ways. For to close your heart, mind, and soul not only defends against hurt but also closes doors to love.

He who is on high did not create “zombies.” He who loves you greatly created a being for love. His love, and the love of others.

Those who have tread deep waters of pain do just that. For to tread water is to stand still, head barely above the surface, while the body is buried.

The body is also He who is the Almighty ones, for you represent He who shed His blood. The Almighty did not create a body, mind, and soul to have it stand in mud or water.

He who is on high wishes your defenses to be cut loose. He who loves you wishes walls to topple and His Spirit within to…

Some abuse victims want as adults only to forget their past. That is an entirely legitimate response, and their prerogative.

By contrast, a surprising number of us want to use our suffering to ease the suffering of others. We want to make something purposeful – even beautiful – out of what was painful and ugly. That is a lofty goal which may or may not be achievable [1].

In either case, a few things should be clear.

A Strong Spirit

“He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak” (Isaiah 40: 29).

Those who somehow survive abuse – physical, emotional, sexual abuse, and neglect or domestic violence – have a strong spirit. This is true no matter the scars we carry from abuse or the fears abuse bequeathed to us. We would not otherwise be here.

To say that we are strong does not…

WARNING: Graphic Images

The sharp, jagged, metal fragments from an exploding bomb, grenade, or landmine are known as shrapnel.

Shrapnel wounds require special care. Initially, these are open puncture wounds, with impaled objects so hot that medical personnel are strictly advised to leave them in place. Pressure on shrapnel wounds must be avoided, as this will only cause more damage to surrounding tissues and organs. Infection is virtually guaranteed.

After it cools, some shrapnel can be removed surgically [1]. Often, however, surgery would do more harm than good. There may be hundreds or thousands of small objects. Over the years, fragments left behind can migrate within the body, making them still harder to find and access. It is not unusual for shrapnel to remain imbedded for decades [2].

The same is true for trauma beliefs. When children undergo trauma, they experience strong emotions. Like scorching metal fragments, these searing emotions…